Page 32 - May1954

NATIONAL BUTTON BULLETIN llay, 1954

BUTTONS OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS
UNDER GEORGE V AND GEORGE VI
In m-v article "Buttons of the Grenadier Guards under Six Sovereigns,"
in the September 1953 Bulletin, pp.296-297, I made the statement on p.
297 that the bultons of George VI,1936-1953 were identical with the ones
ivorn under George V. This is incorrect, althougb the device of G. R.
interlaced and reversed is correct for both reigns, there is a physical differ-
ence as is shorvn in the accompanying illustration.
George V, 1911-199G
1. Gilding metal, convex, rimmed, two-piece, Ioose shank, 40 lines.
Cypher of George V reversed and interlaced, surmounted by a cro'ft'n, with a
frred Grenade under the cypher. Enlisted men's button.
George VI, 1936-1053
2. Gilt, convex, rimmed, two-piece, 40 lines. Cypher of George VI
reversed and interlaced, surmounted by a crown, slishtly separated from the
cypher with a fired grenade under the cypher. An oflflcer's button. You
will note the difference between the cypher of George V and that of
George VI is quite plonounced-the tops of the "G R" are not interlaced
on the button of George VI reign, and the tails of the reverse "R"s are
shorter. Also the tops of the flames of the fired grenade are flatter in
the 1936-53 button due to the change in the cypher.
3. Gilt, convex, rimless, 22 lines. Device as No. 2, an officer's cap
button.
4. Gilding metal, convex, rimmed, two-piece, loose shank, 40 lines.
Device as for No.2, but with crown touching cypher. Enlisted man's
button.
By WILLIAM S. MILLS

NE\v STYIJXJ TRENDS AS REPOR,TED IN "BRITISI{ BUTTONS''
(tr'ebruary and lllarch, 1954)
"An interesting trend tras been a revival of stone cutting and polishing,
using the more common pebbles which are found in Scotland. These were always
popular in larger form for brooches, bnt they are no\r: being used for button
making, for cuff-links, for earclips, for bracelets and necklets. Polished stones
set in a silver mount make ljerfect buttons-again at a price which lules them
out of regular circulation but which is quite within the reach of those rvho
really want something unusual and personal.
"Much of this work is being done by disabled n'orkers in the West of
Scotlantl; their output is aimed at the tourist sholjs rather than at the dress
industry, but thet'periodically execute speclal orders-and make a very lovely
job. What is more they have managed to keep alive a craft whlch was ln
danger of extinction but for the lmpetus which has been given by the growing
volume of tourist traffic."
"W'aistcoat bnttons decorated v/ith the signs of the Zodiac are selling at
1z'- each at a Manchester store. Is it a coincidence that so many males seem
to have been born under Virgo? Part of the traditional symbol for the Zodiac
sign for Virgo is a beautlful nude."